Guy Power Sensei
Iaido Division Director
Guy Power Sensei, a frequent contributor to the SMAA Journal, is a direct disciple of Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei. Nakamura Sensei, Hanshi/tenth dan Toyama Ryu iaido, was the founder of Nakamura Ryu Batto-do and the leader of the International Iai-Batto-Do Federation. Iaido is a modern form of Japanese swordsmanship, while batto-do equally emphasizes combat effectiveness, self-cultivation, and cutting of objects. Both disciplines are designed to cultivate the mind and body through the use of the sword.
Power Sensei has received a Renshi title/license and a seventh dan in Toyama Ryu and an okuden certificate of proficiency in Nakamura Ryu batto-do. In 1994, he received a densho (a classical catalog of a ryu's techniques commonly given as a sort of high-level diploma) from the founder of Nakamura Ryu. He is one of only 50 people in history, and he is the only non-Japanese, to have received this honor from Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei. Power Sensei was appointed by Nakamura Sensei, just before he left Japan, to head the International Iai-Batto-Do Federation in the USA.
Power Sensei currently holds the SMAA title/rank of Shihan/seventh dan iaido and serves as a Division Director in the SMAA Iaido Division.